Western Wonderful Sayings - 1

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: This book collects over two hundred Western idioms and proverbs commonly used, all accompanied by humorous illustrations. The content is both entertaining and easy to remember, making learning enjoyable. Readers can acquire authentic English in a fun way, achieving twice the benefit with half the effort. The table of contents is arranged in alphabetical order for easy reference.
ABACK-HANDED COMPLIMENT
Ronald has lost his title as the strongest man in the world. He is now congratulating the man who won—but as you can see, he is giving him a back-handed compliment. This is a remark that sounds like a compliment but is said sarcastically.
"Well done. I should have done better," the ex-champion said, offering a back-handed compliment.
COMPLIMENT refers to praise given in words or actions. However, "ABACK-HANDED COMPLIMENT" is a seemingly complimentary phrase that carries a sarcastic or critical meaning.
A BAD WORKMAN ALWAYS BLAMES HIS TOOLS
People who do bad or careless work sometimes blame their tools, materials, or equipment instead of blaming themselves. That’s why we say a bad workman always blames his tools.
"Why do you say you failed the examination because your pen leaked ink? Don’t you know a bad workman always blames his tools?"
The meaning of "A BAD WORKMAN ALWAYS BLAMES HIS TOOLS" is as literal as the phrase itself: "A bad craftsman blames his poor tools." It describes how some people, when they do poorly or work carelessly, don’t blame themselves but instead blame their tools, materials, or equipment for being inadequate.
ABED OF THORNS
This expression is used to describe a particularly difficult situation or a thoroughly unhappy time.
"I’m sorry I changed jobs. My new one is proving to be a bed of thorns."
"Too often, it’s a bed of thorns trying to get on a bus during rush hour."
THORN means "briar" or "prickly bush." "ABED OF THORNS" refers to an extremely difficult situation or a period of great unhappiness.